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Creaking noise when turning steering wheel...

So, I've got a noise that comes from the front of the car when turning the steering wheel - sounds like creaking/popping. Happens at low speeds - backing out of the driveway or pulling into a parking spot. Not noticeable while driving, probably due to road noise. My first thought was control arms based on what I've read, but I'm not seeing any obvious play in the rubber bushings and nothing is torn. Same for outer tie rod ends. Also no leaks in the power steering system.

The car has >170,000 miles on it and the CA's have never been replaced, so I'm kinda planning for this anyway, but I just want to make sure I'm not missing something else.

I'll add that I'm not 100% sure I'm checking things properly - I will grab a wheel with two hands when I've got the car jacked up and rock side to side. I just don't see any significant movement. But, like I said above, with the mileage I've got, I figure they can't be in good shape.

I have had the same issue ever since I bought the car 2 years ago.
I replaced all of the control arms and tie rod ends using inexpensive replacement, didn't help.
I recently changed the tie rod ends with quality parts and that helped a little. I figured it was the rack because it's leaking a little bit

Creaking/popping noises that occur during low speed turns are most often caused by cracks in the subframe, or failed welds in the subframe. Either replace the subframe with a new or known good used part, or have the subframe re welded in place.

I have to do all my control arms and along with the shocks on the front, I'm at 115K miles. However I do have bad inner tire wear and my alignment suffers, I can feel when I accelerate how the car pulls toe in with the torque and toes out with braking.

Creaking/popping noises that occur during low speed turns are most often caused by cracks in the subframe, or failed welds in the subframe. Either replace the subframe with a new or known good used part, or have the subframe re welded in place.

Why would it stop when the car warms up from driving?
Mine only creeks when its been sitting for 5+ hours or really cold outside.

I'll try some silicone spray just for fun, but the noise is there regardless of how long I've driven the car. I do coincidentally have a groan in my PS pump as well, but the fluid level is fine and there are no bubbles when I turn the wheel.

I'm a little unsure with what I should be looking for (and where) regarding the subframe... any pics to give me an area to focus on?

I'll try some silicone spray just for fun, but the noise is there regardless of how long I've driven the car. I do coincidentally have a groan in my PS pump as well, but the fluid level is fine and there are no bubbles when I turn the wheel.

I'm a little unsure with what I should be looking for (and where) regarding the subframe... any pics to give me an area to focus on?

Had this happen with my B5 and it turned out to be tie rod ends. Replaced them with Meyle HD's and never heard it again. At 170k I would definitely have all your control arms replaced. Not worth the risk of a ball joint failing while at speed and causing an accident.

I had a lower ball joint fail on my B5 while I was turning on to a main street. Luckily it failed while only going 5-10 mph and there was no traffic coming the other way because it made my car swerve unexpectedly into the other lane across the double yellow.

Get it taken care of sooner than later! We have quite a few options for control arm kits shoot me a PM for a quote!

After about 130,000 kms I decided to do a complete suspension refresh, Control Arms, Trailing Arms, Outer/Inner Tie Rods, Front/Rear Sway Bar links, Strut Mount/Bump Stops (Meyle control arms and sway bar links, everything else OEM, all from ECS). The work done a month ago and while the car drives and feels much better I started getting the same creaking/popping noises at lower speeds when I'm turning the wheel and parking. Just like OP it I only hear it while parking and turning the wheel, not driving at higher speeds.

I'm not sure if this is a result of a faulty part or certain parts not installed properly (installation done at Audi dealership) but I have to bring it in and have them look at it. After I get an answer as to what was causing it I'll let you guys know.

It's the bushings in the upper control arms. Happend to me. Put in a new full set of control arms and TRE (Febi/Bilstein). Must have had a bad set becasue the noise returned on the right side after two weeks. The shop is currently looking into this.

It's the bushings in the upper control arms. Happend to me. Put in a new full set of control arms and TRE (Febi/Bilstein). Must have had a bad set becasue the noise returned on the right side after two weeks. The shop is currently looking into this.

Paul - Cary and I were JUST talking about this. Happened to me too after 1 month...

I had some creaks and moans that was corrected with the installation of new control arms and tie rod ends. I have since developed some new creaks that I suspect are coming from the subframe, or the subframe bushings.

Does anyone know of a more rigid bushing for our chassis other than the 034 Motorsports billet aluminum?